Russian thugs have been talking to one another via the Russian social media site VKontakte.com

In March a policeman died of a heart attack in Bilbao, northern Spain, as he was trying to stop street battles between supporters of Russian football team Spartak Moscow Spartak and Bilbao Athletic.

Nine people were arrested following the clashes. Spanish newspaper El Mundo said two Russian ultras were taken to hospital with injuries, one with stab wounds.

The incident raised questions as to whether Russia would be able to control its ultras.

In May, video footage emerged of rival ultras staging a street battle in St Petersburg ahead of the game between Zenit St Petersburg and CSKA Moscow.

In turn, some England fans have also threatened to seek revenge after the bloodshed in Marseilles during Euro-2016 when Russia and England fans clashed.

England supporters were specifically targeted by hammer and iron bar-wielding Russian hooligans ahead of the countries’ Euro 2016 opener in Marseille last year, which left two men in comas fighting for their lives.

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What is being done to counteract the threat?

A statement by Fifa said it “has complete trust in the security arrangements and comprehensive security concept developed by the Russian authorities and the Local Organising Committee.

“As demonstrated during the Fifa Confederations Cup last year, Russia's already high security standards have been adapted to meet the specific needs of such major sporting events.

“Naturally, Fifa is also in constant contact with all stakeholders regarding the ongoing risk assessment, which enables the implementation of overall preventive measures in cooperation with national and international enforcement authorities.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also ordered a crackdown on violent troublemakers.